Voter turnout light for primary

Martin Griffith

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000 | 11:03 a.m.

CARSON CITY - Voter turnout was running well below 30 percent in Tuesday's primary, and the lack of interest was blamed on a shortage of hot races and the state's historic indifference to elections.

Statewide figures weren't available late Tuesday, but the picture was clear from results in the counties that account for the vast majority of Nevada's population. But Clark County reported 18 percent turnout and Washoe estimated it at 27 percent.

"The overriding reason for the low turnout is there were no major races to stir voter interest," said Susan Morandi, elections deputy for Secretary of State Dean Heller.

Lopsided races were the rule for the major primary contests. Former GOP Rep. John Ensign easily defeated two political newcomers, incumbent Rep. Shelley Berkley ran unopposed in the Democratic congressional primary and Rep Jim Gibbons had token opposition in his GOP race.

Another factor, according to Morandi: The primary fell the day after the long Labor Day weekend, when many were straggling back from vacation.

Turnout in the last two Nevada primaries as been in the 30 percent range - among the lowest in the nation.

State election officials had predicted 50 percent turnout in the primary, and held out hope that the general election would bring more citizens to the polls Nov. 7.

"I'm still optimistic," Morandi said.